The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-24
THE CHURCH CONVENTIONS
The Cumberland Presbyterians Briefly
Discuss the Question Of Union,
But Reach No Conclusion-Next Assembly To
Be Held at Waco, Tex-Disagreements
Among the Southern Presbyterians.

Special to the Indiar apoiis Journal
CovINGToN O.. May 23-The pupts of the
Covington churches yesterday filled by
delegates to the Assembly, and they were every
where greeted with large audiences. Some pull
pits IN surrounding towns had preachers from the
Assembly. In the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. of Covington, Rev. A. D. Hail preached
IN the morning.. His subject was 1.-THE Diff
cuities in the Way of Mission Work" at the
communion service, in the afternoon, Rev. j.
w. Mckay, of Pennsylvania delivered the ad-
dress. The evening service in the interest
of the Pacific coast churches, and conducted
by Rev. T. A Cowan and Evangelist Williams
The former gentleman spoke of the needs and
present state of the California churches, and the
latter talked a considerable time the neces-
stiles Of the whole coast. The work of the
church here seems more encouraging, though,
than formerly.
The devotional exercises this morning were
conducted by Rev. N. E. Prather, of Tennessee
After these exercises the moderator announced
that, according to invitation previously read,
all persons who desired could visit the grave of
Rev. F. G. Black, who was the founder and for
many years the pastor of Covirgton Church.
and who now lies buried in the Covington GEM
etery The visit of the members occurred at
o'clock P. NJ and was informal IN character.
The committee on correspondence made a re-
port. which was adopted BY this report kev
Dr. P. L. Moad. of Missouri is made correspond
ing delegate to the next me citing of the Women's
Board of Foreign Missions and Rev J. D. Gold.
of Iowa. to the Evangelical Union of Scotland.
The report of the judiciary committee was
next read This report referred the question
of licentiates right to perform marriages to
the decision of the civil law, but. after discus
sion, this item was laid on the table. The propo-
sition to give the synod original jurisdiction on
less important questions was denied. The
MOI nm ha RIGHT TO GA
to church sessions usually, but to presbv terles IN
where the session Is not likely to afford
justice The committee also recommended the
appointment of a committee OF three legal mem
bers of the church to prepare digest of the
laws of various States In regard to The holdings
of church property. the digest being for the use
of the church In all localities
The report on the minutes of the Synod of
Oregon embraced a disapproval of an action of
that synod in inviting women to seats ad-
visory members. The matter was referred to
the judiciary committee
The report of the committee Sabbath OBJ
servance, containng certain recommendations
on this matter, was adopted
The report on deceased ministers showed that
twenty ministers had died during the year
past The report adopted by a standing
vote, accompanied by song and prayer. Dr.
Crisman. at the request of the moderator. deliv-
cred brief memorial address.
The committee on overuures recelveo perrnis-
sion to withdraw the report which refused to
establish new synod in Kansas. as additional
papers on the subject had come to hand.
y = T. M
of the Cumberland Presbyterian and Methodist
Protestant churches was taken up a special
order. The clerk read last years report of the
committee on union, which stated that the
soldation was believed possible; also, the action
of last years Assembly, which referred the mat
ter the present meeting, ana the memorial
from Indiana Synod objecting to the union if
the doctrine of the preservation of believers be
not retained in the consolidated church. Judge
Frizzell introduced a resolution which favored
the union if the system OF doctrines of the Cum
berland Presbyterian Church can be made the
basis of the denomination Rev. S. l..
Russell, of, Alabama, member of the commit
tee on union. spoke against the unreasonable
ness of the proposition. The time for the dis
? cuSsion expired before action was taken.
Invitations for the next meeting of the assem-
bly, were received from Union City, Tenn, and
Waco, Tex. After discussion. in which the
friends of both places took warm part. Waco was
chosen by large majority. This city promises
to entertain delegates and visitors, with their
wives. children, sweethearts and friends.
The report of the committee on missions,
which had under consideration the report of the
board. read and considered by sections.
Rev. D. E. Bushnell. D. D., of Waynesburg,
subject of Missions at the next session
of the Assembly. Presbyteries were di-
rected to hold missionary meeting in connec-
ton with each session of the bodies.
The first Sabbath of January made a day
for a concert of prayer for homo missions. and
the first Sabbath of July for foreign missions.
The appointment of the missionary asked for by
the church in Iowa left to the board of
missions if in its judgment such evangelist
seemed necessary. discussion occurred On the
restriction proposed by the committee. which
required that the evangelist should be
dained minister Adjournment occurred before
the discussion finished. Rev. j. NJ Halsel!.
of Waco, Texas preached this evening at the
Christian Church
Dixon G. Williams the noted lay evangelist,
leaves tomorrow for Franklin. Ky, where he
intends to hold revival meeting
Rev. Dr. w. J. Darby. of Evansville, Ind,
rived at the Assembly to-day. He comes the
interest of the Board of Ministerial Relief, of
which he is an important member.
The clerks who perform the writing and read
ing duties of the session Rev. j. NJ Hubert,
OF Lincoln. H.; T. NJ. Hurst. of Nashville,
Tenn. and Rev A. j. Berger. of New York.
Rev. DR. T. C. Blake has charge of the general
work stated clerk.
The representatives of the church press here
are: Cumberland Presbyterian, (Nashville).
Rev. DIR. j. M. Howard; st. Louis Observer,
Rev. w. G. Logan; Texas Observer tMexia),
Rev DIR. Crisman; The Moderator, Bowling
Green. Ky, Rev. H. A. Gibson
1t is the custom of the moderator. Judge
Green, to call other members of the Assembly
to the chair at various times. Thus Judge Friz-
zell, Rev j. Reed Morris. Rev DR.. E. B. Girls
man, Rev. Dr. S. H. Buchanan and Rev. j. r.
Brown have occupied the chair lately.
Southern Presbyterfans.
r - Il.